A BID to bring horseracing back to Manchester after a break of almost 40 years is under starter's orders.

John Whittaker, chairman of Trafford Centre developers, Peel Holdings, has submitted plans to Salford city council for a multi-million pound ''forest park''.

At the heart of the 2,000-acre leisure park, near Botany Bay Wood, Worsley, would be a course for jumping and flat racing with a grandstand for 6,000 spectators.

An equestrian centre with stabling for 100 horses will provide facilities for all levels of rider.

There would also be a youth activity centre, children's play areas, an 18-hole golf course with a clubhouse and driving range, woodland visitor centre, archery, boating, windsurfing, fishing, and pony trekking.

A luxury four-star hotel would be built around Moss House Farm, with many of the Victorian features being preserved - including the farmyard and 19th century barn.

An ''eco village'' providing a secluded retreat for visitors wishing to stay longer would be built, plus a new pub and restaurant next to the Bridgewater Canal.

The plans will now be subject to lengthy consultation before a decision is made, possibly early next year. The site, owned by Peel and Botany Bay, is the largest woodland in Greater Manchester.

The plan has nosed ahead of a rival plan mooted by Tameside council at Ashton Moss. Earlier this year, it was included in the borough's development plan. Discussions are still taking place, but no firm proposals have been submitted.

The closure of Salford's Castle Irwell racecourse in 1963 ended a 350-year history of racing in Manchester.

The Worsley course would use temporary stands to provide a capacity of 20,000 for major events. If approval is given, it is hoped to start racing in 2004.

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